Lao National Television (LNTV) is the nationwide TV broadcaster in Laos. It operates two national channels and a network of regional channels. Founded in 1983, the station covers Laos and some parts of Thailand. In its early days, it broadcast for just three hours a day. Since 2018, the Chinese government has provided assistance in the form of upgraded equipment to the broadcaster, which lacks the necessary resources to make such improvements.
Media assets
Television: National- LNTV1, LNTV3; Regional- LNTV Attapeu, LNTV Bokeo, LNTV Borikhamsai, LNTV Champassak, LNTV Houaphan, LNTV Khammouane, LNTV Luangnamtha, LNTV Luangprabang, LNTV Oudomxai, LNTV Phongsali, LNTV Saiyabouli, LNTV Saravane, LNTV Savannakhet, LNTV Sekong, LNTV Xiengkhouang
State Media Matrix Typology: State-Controlled (SC)
Ownership and governance
LNTV was established by and is subordinated to the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, according to information provided by the television station. The majority of key managers at the station are appointed by the government, often on political grounds. Additionally, a significant portion of the station’s workforce is comprised of journalists affiliated with the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), the country’s sole political party.
Source of funding and budget
LNTV does not issue annual reports or other informational materials regarding its operations. As is the case with all media outlets in Laos, LNTV is fully funded by the government, according to information provided by local journalists and experts interviewed for this report in December 2023. Over the past decade, the broadcaster has received funding in the form of government grants from China. The latest estimate from a journalist working with LNTV (2018) indicates that in some years, Chinese government grants account for up to 40% of total LNTV expenditure.
Editorial independence
All media in Laos operate under a stringent censorship system, with the government closely monitoring the content aired on LNTV. Top managers and editors at the station regularly meet with representatives from the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism to discuss content improvement strategies. Those who engage in criticism of the government may face legal consequences. In accordance with the Constitution, the State “attends to improving and expanding media activities for the purpose of national protection and development.”
To date, no independent assessment or domestic statute has been identified that guarantees the editorial independence of LNTV. The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism exercises close supervision over the station’s operations.
September 2024